The defence closes its case in the trial of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife, Eleanor Donaldson, at Newry Crown Court. According to reports, Donaldson, 63, has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences, including one count of rape and allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency. The court has heard closing arguments from the defence, with Donaldson’s barrister telling the jury that the complainants’ evidence is not sufficiently reliable to reach a sure conclusion of guilt. Eleanor Donaldson’s barrister similarly urged the jury to return verdicts that she did not do the acts alleged. Reports also describe that Eleanor Donaldson denies charges relating to aiding and abetting her husband’s alleged offending. The trial is described as nearing its end, with the judge expected to give directions to the jury, after which the jury will consider its verdict. For Eleanor Donaldson, the proceedings are reported as a trial of the facts, which does not result in a criminal conviction.
Defence closes case in Jeffrey Donaldson sexual offences trial
The defence closes its case in the trial of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife, Eleanor Donaldson, at Newry Crown Court. According to reports, Donaldson, 63, has pleaded not guilty to 18...
- Jeffrey Donaldson’s defence closes its case in Newry Crown Court and no further evidence is planned.
- Donaldson, 63, pleads not guilty to 18 alleged offences, including one count of rape and allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency.
- Defence counsel tells the jury complainants’ evidence is not sufficiently reliable to conclude guilt.
- Eleanor Donaldson’s barrister urges the jury to find she did not do the acts alleged and she denies aiding and abetting charges.
- The judge is expected to give directions to the jury, with the jury to consider its verdict next.
Jeffrey Donaldson’s trial is nearing its end. The court has now heard the closing arguments – all that remains is for the judge to give directions to the jury. On Wednesday, Donaldson’s barrister told the jury the complainants were “not sufficiently reliable enough to drive you to a sure conclusion that he is guilty”. 63-year-old Jeffrey Donaldson has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences which include one count of rape and allegations of indecent assault and gross indecency. His wife Eleanor Donaldson’s barrister asked the jury to end her nightmare by returning verdicts that she did not do the acts alleged. The sixty-year-old from Dublinhill Road in Dromore, Co Down, denies several charges of aiding and abetting her husband’s alleged offending. She is facing a trial of the facts to test the evidence in the case but cannot result in a criminal conviction. Allison Morris was in court.
2 months agoThe former DUP leader’s barrister told Newry Crown Court this afternoon that no further evidence would be called.
2 months agoThe defence has closed its case in the trial of Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife on sexual offence charges.
2 months agoThe 63-year-old has pleaded not guilty to 18 alleged offences.
2 months ago
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